Sehwag to 'wait and watch' on his fitness

Indian batsman Virender Sehwag was non-committal about his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in September, despite making good progress in his recovery from a shoulder injury. He was operated on June 11, and was expected to be ruled out for 12 to 16 weeks.

"My shoulder is better than before. It takes time to recover from any surgery," Sehwag said in New Delhi. "But if it takes time, I can't help it. I can just wait and watch."

Sehwag picked up the injury during the semi-final of the IPL in South Africa and subsequently missed the World Twenty20 in June. He was at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore as part of his rehabilitation last month.

He said last week that he was hopeful of playing the Champions Trophy, but had yet to start his cricket skills training. He has already been ruled out of India's short tri-series in Sri Lanka next month.

His captain MS Dhoni was also keeping a close watch on his fitness. "He might be available for the Champions Trophy," he said. "From now to the tri-series, the time is too short. Sehwag is improving every day. He is working hard to get fit for the Champions Trophy."

The Champions Trophy runs between September 22 and October 5. India then play a seven-match ODI series at home against Australia.